Odessa R-VII Mask Information
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThe goal of the Odessa R-VII Board of Education and District Administration is for students to be in their buildings learning as much as possible, without interruption due to a quarantine.
Tuesday, August 17, 2021, the Board adopted the following mask usage language:
Regardless of vaccination status, Odessa R-VII Board of Education strongly recommends all persons inside district buildings wear a mask/face covering if unable to maintain 6 feet of social distancing. In non-classroom areas of Odessa R-VII buildings, masks/face coverings will be required to be worn by all persons unless 6 feet of social distance can be maintained.
When an Odessa R-VII building reaches 5% or more of students and staff absences for any reason, said building will institute mandatory mask/face covering wearing for all staff, students and visitors inside the building until the number of absences of staff and students drops to less than 3% in said building for 2 consecutive weeks. Absences will be reviewed on a daily basis by school administration; if thresholds are exceeded, the mask/face covering mandate will be instituted immediately.
Due to federal mandates, masks must be worn on school buses at all times. Specific details on this requirement can be found here on the U.S. Department of Transportation website.
The above information regarding masks has also been updated within the In-Person Instruction Plan, which can be viewed in its entirety if you click here.
As this is a constantly evolving situation, such decisions will change accordingly with the current health considerations of the district and community. The mask recommendation/requirement process will be ongoing and communicated regularly by school administration.
In accordance with state and local health guidance, the attached diagram illustrates when a person is considered a close contact and would need to quarantine.
